Bethel Jean Gilliam

Bethel Jean Gilliam, 91 of Ottawa, West Virginia passed away on October 3, 2025. She was born in Betsy Lane, Kentucky on August 12, 1934 to the late James Taylor Hunt and Goldie Marie Woods Hunt. Bethel was the beloved widow of Charles Ray Gilliam who was the love of her life.

Bethel was a proud graduate of Scott High School and a devoted member of the Laurel City Freewill Baptist Church and The Rose Women’s Circle of Ottawa.

Bethel began her working career as an assistant to Dr. Curry on Main Street of Madison. After she and Charlie married, they moved to Wickliffe, Ohio where she worked for the Bailey Meter Company. After many years in Ohio they returned to West Virginia and purchased the General Store in Ottawa. Following Charles’s death, she enjoyed several years working at the Danville Dairy Queen and WV American Water Company in Ottawa.

Bethel spent hours in her spare time reading, especially Grace Livingston Hill novels. Traveling with family and friends always brought her pleasure. Bethel helped many friends and neighbors get through some of their toughest and lonelier times. She loved many dogs during her lifetime with Cookie and Fancy being two of her favorites.

Bethel is survived by her sisters: Dorothy Ann Greene (Glen) of Madison, Belenda Kay Smith (Rodney) of Madison, Melody Rae Griffith of Elizabeth City, NC; nieces: Cathy Lilly and son Hunter of Madison, Karen West of Queen Creek, AZ, Kerri Geyer of Broad View Heights, OH, Nicole Renee Smith (Shannon) of Charleston, Millie Marie Griffith of Elizabeth City, NC; nephew: Nicholas Lee Smith (Taylor) of Madison; great nieces: Karisa Engle and Kerstin Guyer-McAtee; and great nephews: John West, Austin Guyer and Theo Smith.

She was preceded in death by her brother Douglas Taylor Hunt (Carole) of Painesville, OH and brother-in-law Rev. Dr. Fredrick Joe Griffith of Elizabeth City.

Funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 am Monday, October 6, 2025 at Handley Funeral Home in Danville with Rev. Don Austin officiating. Friends may call one hour prior to service. Burial will follow at Boone Memorial Park. 

A special thanks to Trinity Healthcare of Logan, WV for taking care of Bethel the last few months. We are thankful that her healthcare workers were by her beside when she passed.